“Why isn’t he coming with us?”
“He is staying with the general and you are coming with me.”
“Why? Did they find something else?”
Damien tugged her robe off her shoulders and tossed it in the bag. “We’re taking a boat to the palace. The river will be faster than a carriage.”
“Did you find more bodies?” Evelyn guessed.
Damien held out the dress. “Put this on.”
“Tell me what’s happening!”
“We didn’t findenoughbodies!” Damien snapped, his composure finally breaking. “Seventeen guards went missing the night King Gerard was killed. There are onlyfifteenguards in the attic right now.”
“How?” Rory asked.
“No one fucking knows. And no one understands all the shit carved on their skin, either.” Damien pointed at Evelyn. “So yourhusbanddecided that we have to leave.”
He threw the dress at her, and she pulled it over her thin nightgown.
If we’re so worried about more bodies showing up, why is Leo sending me away? How is it better for us to be separated?
“I need you both to listen to me before we go,” Damien said in a low voice. “Simon knewevery single oneof the missing guards. We were able to identify them so quickly because he was willing to stay in that attic and tell us their names. Simon worked with them for a long time. I’m sure he grew up with some of them.”
Evelyn’s stomach dropped.
I didn’t think about that.
“I know you are upset by what you saw,” Damien said to her. “But I need you to remember that those were Simon’s friends. You can scream at me when we get to the palace. Just keep your shit together while we’re moving so Simon can focus on his job. Can you do that?”
“Yes.”
Damien addressed Rory next. “Don’t let him lose it. Get word to me or Magalie if Simon needs a break. But Evelyn does not leave your sight until she is in her room. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
The three of them left the guard house. Simon waited on the porch, showing no obvious sign that anything was wrong.
A boat was ready for them at the dock in front of the house. Evelyn looked around, hoping to spot Leo. Plenty of guards were outside but not the king.
A fae with Air magic was on the boat, making for a fast ride home. Evelyn and her escorts sat below deck so they were out of sight of anyone along the river. Simon was rigid and stoic. Rory was a bit seasick, apparently less tolerant of water when his magic wasn’t controlling it. Damien held Evelyn’s hand to steady her shaking.
It was a short walk between the river dock and the palace. A swarm of soldiers surrounded them the moment they got off theboat. Damien provided quick updates to other officers without leaving Evelyn’s side.
Evelyn expected to be greeted by her father or Camille once they entered the palace, but she only saw guards.
“Where is my father?” Evelyn asked loud enough for the crowd around her to hear.
One of the Carrowmore guards in red answered her question. “King Tristan is in his room, as are Princess Hannah and Queen Camille. Commander Magalie requested they stay in secure locations until every space can be searched.”
At least I know my family is okay.
Another guard, this one in Gryon’s blue uniform, approached next. “Your Majesty, the staff hasn’t had a chance yet to move your belongings to King Alexander’s suite.”
“That’s fine,” Evelyn responded.
I would rather be in my old room right now, anyway. I’ll feel safer there because it’s familiar.
